Penchant Practice PV Avery closed

• PENCHANT PRACTICE •

1st April | Fourth Floor, Duelling Club
wc: 411
Avery's Hex #136b5c

Outfit:

Reducio

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	-----A nd as if by chance, Avery Leveret walked through the thrice-height doors. The boy was a pale comparison to the warmth of the wooden doors that he had closed behind him. Standing just below 5 feet tall, he could be mistaken for an older student, especially with the way his deep eyes and sharp cheekbones were set; he just didn’t seem to have too much child-like face fat. It could strike one to think him gaunt, especially with the added paleness. His dark hair was swept back from his face, wet as though he had just come from a shower. He was wearing more wool, which had seemingly been a mistake a couple of times he had stepped into duelling club; but he didn’t learn. With every burned sleeve, or singed tweed, came a new owl with a replacement. He wasn’t lacklustre in his getting hit, in fact he tried to do everything in his power not to, but sometimes that was just how things turned out. Before he even had the chance to send his ebony eyes around the room to scan the current attendees for familiar faces, a tall blonde lad was making for him as if he was some kind of prey. Although this was one of the few upper-upper-classmen interactions Avery had, he didn’t startle. He was proud and stubborn, and he had an air about him that suggested that this was his home, that he had a right to be there; and so he wouldn’t be scared off by whatever this chap had to say. His mind however, was anchored by the idea that potentially rumours about his heritage had made it to the upper-years, and if that were the case it was unlikely that an attempt to ‘bully’ or hinder him about it would surely be a sore result for Avery. This boy didn’t look too scary, he was a bit thin, tall for sure, probably had some decent weight behind him but he didn’t have weight to him. – It was at this moment, during Avery’s visible judgement of the boy that Avery recognised him, a face he had seen in the crowd at someplace. Curious. – Hold on a second that’s the Gryffindor Captain… If pale, could pale, it did. “Alan was it?” He said, playing it cool as he moved to one of the benches near them to set down a leather duffle he carried with him.
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Interacting with @Alan Vanes

Alan did not have to wait much longer, that was to his luck too, else he would have grown bored and probably decided to practice by himself some more. This was just his luck though and a grin lit up his face as he pushed himself of the piste, taking decisive steps toward the newcomer. He had no proper idea which year to place him in, younger than he was for sure. Then again Alan knew just how looks could be deceiving, he had been judged younger than his age for quite a while. Though he had grown taller now and experiences and of course growing out of his child-like appearance had made him somewhat look his age.

Now Alan stood before the other boy, perhaps a bit too chipper at the prospect of not having to practice duelling by himself. Dressed in his tell-tale black trousers and a red-tinted button up shirt worn rather casually with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, though now they were back down. The arrival of the student had made him curious, though he had no name for him he struck Alan as someone who's name would not be easily forgotten once aware of it, yet Alan remained cheerful and relaxed. A spark of recognition came over the other boys face, a thing that at first had gotten some use to for the prefect and duelling captain. It had been odd to realize that others would know him by his positions alone, but he also was quite happy with it, it let him skip the rather awkward phase of introductions. But it brought a new experience of awkwardness with it, people knew his name but the names of others were still as much a mystery to him and having to ask them of others when they already knew of him was for lack of a better word... tricky. Alan gave a polite smile and extended his hand for a hand shake, "Yeah, what is yours if you don't mind me asking?" he wondered before glancing around he grounds of the duelling club. The weather had been a little nicer, which with the combination of it being a Sunday let to the Duelling club being somewhat quieter that day.

Alan also had half a mind to ask the house of the other, though he had found it didn't matter that much to him. It would however be a shame, if the other kid turned out to be great at duelling and did not share his house, because that would mean one less potential duellists on their roster and one more in whichever house the dark haired boy belonged to. Though Alan was very well aware that there was no way he was a Gryffindor and he seriously doubted him to be a Hufflepuff either, but he knew the house had a few tricks up its sleeve and was always one to surprise him. Alan also didn't fancy himself one for stereotypical thinking, so he had long decided not to really care of which house someone was placed in as long as they were fun to be around.

"I was hoping for someone to practice with, I find it is a lot more fun that way, don't you agree?"

• PENCHANT PRACTICE •

1st April | Fourth Floor, Duelling Club
wc: 419
Avery's Hex #136b5c

Outfit:

Reducio

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	-----A very couldn’t help but offer the much older, taller boy a smile once he had indicated his intentions. That wasn’t to say that he wasn’t always expecting someone to come out from the wood-works and announce the crimes of his father. Avery was on edge most of the time, only truly in comfort when sat at his desk in the Merlin Dormitory, gazing out into the depths of the great lake; making heed towards the goals of his future. Perhaps this would serve him in the same manner. Which first year could turn around and say that they had one to one practice with a duelling captain. Although it was with a Gryffindor of all houses, the experience alone spoke of a calibre Avery could only dream of. As with all things, Avery would throw himself in the deep end, for if you can’t swim what use are you against the current aside from fish-feed. “Leveret, Avery Leveret.” He gave clearly, offering the upperclassman a nod of respect, as though one would respect a peer. Avery had a habit of that. He would always assume he was above most, and if he wasn’t; by some feat of extraordinary quality, he would strive to climb up to their level and exceed them. In this instance, he had seen the other boy before; not just in the duelling room. “Alright, I suppose. – As long as you don’t intend to make me look a fool. Not like those Ravenclaw girls did to Hui-Ming and that poor girl.” He said, a slight smirk coming over his features. It was easy to say that perhaps Avery thought he could do better, perhaps he yet will. With an easy motion he had unzipped the quality leather bag and pulled out his chestnut wand. He seemed to handle it with a dextrous grasp, but that was more his wandiwork than it was respect for the thing. Internally, he seemed to have many disagreements with the wand, discovered so soon in his Hogwarts career. Though given how relationships between wands and wizards go, there wasn’t anything he could do to change that; at least not yet. He twirled it in his grasp and wondered if he was forgetting anything, before he nodded to himself and returned his dark eyes to the auburn haired lad. “What did you have in mind?” He said as he began to walk with him to the piste.
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Interacting with @Alan Vanes

Alan didn't think much of the expression of the other kid, but was quite pleased when the other kids gave him a small smile at last. Alan wouldn't think too far into the sincerity or reasoning behind it, as that was not his style. But even Alan seemed to visibly relax a little when his idea was welcomed by the other student. When the other boy introduced himself, his thoughts were somewhat like an open book, though there wasn't anything worrisome to peer at really. Alan was just very much aware of this style of introduction and for a moment a puzzled expression crossed over his face as he tried to race through his mental library to find meaning to this name. It was a standard pureblood introduction, putting their family name first as if presenting something grand, that should be respected or at least recognized immediately. So Alan gave a small smile, "It's truly nice to meet you Avery." And he meant it, Alan truly enjoyed meeting new people and Avery thus far seemed interesting and shared his excitement for duelling it seemed. So how could this go wrong? Alan was sure they could become friends if their age gap wouldn't make it awkward but both of them were still kids somewhat.

Alan laughed at his next words, a warm and honest laugh that made his eyes shine with mirth and seemingly brightened the green of his irises even more, as if caught by the sun just right. "Yeah no worries, no plans of doing that," he offered in a calmer voice to appease the possible worry of Avery, "No plans of making you look bad at all, just some standard practice." Alan still felt a little bad for how the duel had gone for Ming and Guinevere, they truly had a streak of bad luck for that duel and despite the different houses Alan hoped they had some better luck in opponents next stage... as long as they weren't facing anyone from his own team that is.

When he saw the other one get his wand out, Alan decided to do the same. Though he was a little more subtle about it and some experience had taught him to keep his wand close rather than secure. He curled the fingers of his right hand momentarily as if to fiddle with the sleeve of his shirt. At first glance it would seem like a nervous gesture, especially knowing that the boy fidgeted a lot to begin with. But it took a second or so perhaps and his wand slid out of his sleeve into his hand, ready to be used once more. Alan gave a somewhat smug smile, though it wasn't really directed at Avery or anyone really. His gaze wandered over the piste as they reached it and with the hand that wasn't holding his wand, he scooped up Tiger and jumped onto the piste. "Now where to put you, huh? Little troublemaker," he hummed thoughtfully as he glanced around the room before his eyes landed on the moderator podium and set Tiger down on top of it. "Just don't go doing anything stupid like getting caught in any crossfire," he warned the feline in a mock serious warning as he patted the cat for a few seconds before directing his attention back to the future Viridian Viper.

"Well, that really depends... what would you say you need most practice with? For me its the actual part of hitting others rather than myself really," he offered jokingly, showing no shame at such a jab at himself and instead offered a nonchalant grin. "I think you might be having trouble hitting me at all, but I'm sure you could do it if you tried hard enough so that in itself would be good practice," he added after a moment of thinking about the nature of the practice. From what he knew the other boy was a first year and he has yet to be put onto the roster, which again meant that this Alan's dexterity and experience would most likely allow him to be evasive of most spells going his way that Avery would cast. Then again he he carried himself with confidence and was a pureblood so he was likely raised hearing the rules of duelling as bedtime stories or something like that. Alan remembered himself that he had a vast amount of knowledge on magical things that were of interest to him from a very early age.

• PENCHANT PRACTICE •

1st April | Fourth Floor, Duelling Club
wc: 449
Avery's Hex #136b5c

Outfit:

Reducio

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	-----T he reaction of the older boy didn’t seem to indicate, in either direction, if he had a preexisting opinion of the name he had presented so proudly. That was neither a good, nor bad reaction; and so it was puzzling at best. With his compliment, Avery nodded, reserved in offering him the same in return until he had learned more. “Well in that case, standard practice is always worthwhile, especially against an upperclassman. - ” Avery said, his ebony eyes having noted the slick gesture that produced a wand from his sleeve, prompting a smirk to form on his lips. He idly turned his on wand in his hand, twirling it between his fingers playfully as he committed to working on figuring out the boy that was opposite; having the need to occupy both hand and mind in turn. His seemed less so a nervous tick, and more an innate requirement. “Oh I am quite good at hitting things, rest assured.” He smirked again, clearly oblivious to Vanes’ sporting reputation. “Though, I’ll take that challenge. - It’ll do me good to see if archery has paid off.” Avery offered in reply. It became very clear to all who interacted with him that he would never turn down the opportunity to better himself, or learn; even if it meant having to work for it or put himself in otherwise compromising positions. If he truly didn’t hit a single spell onto Vanes in the next hour, he’d at least learn that his confidence was misplaced, set a new benchmark for the future and even have something to use as the fuel that was his eternal engine. As Alan had suspected, Avery was a pureblood, and he had observed countless duels between both his brothers and other people in the circles that his family frequented. Duelling was a supreme display of prowess, focus and innate talent; so mastering that was sure to earn one a decent reputation. As a captain, Avery suspected that Vanes was to be a challenge; but how much of a challenge he had surely underestimated which only seemed to make his slow approach to the piste that much more painful. He had of course noted the cat, but his indifference to it only seemed to allow it a cursory glance so as to ascertain its position so as to avoid hitting it; Avery could do with not making an enemy of Vanes, that much he understood. “Well, when you’re ready…” He said, eyeing his opponent as he turned side on and raised his wand; preparing to make the first, venomous strike.
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Interacting with @Alan Vanes

Alan agreed with the sentiment, knowing that he would take it easy on the other student. After all this was meant for practice and was in no way as serious as a proper duel. Or should be fought with the same level of viciousness. At least not from his side of the piste, as he was not only older but knew that the other student would have a hard enough time hitting him with a spell in the first place. After all Alan was known among the Senior League and duelling clubs for his dexterous maneuvers and stubbornness to remain conscious. He was responsible for the longest lasting 2v1 in recent duelling history after all, which was still a feat he wasn't quite sure how he had pulled it off, but survival instincts could do great things or so they say.

"So you've taken archery lessons? For how long?" he wondered curiously, filling the time of adjusting his duelling stance with a little bit of small talk. But it wasn't just to fill the blanks of time, but because Alan truly liked to get to know other people. He was somewhat harmonious like that. Alan stood on one end of the piste and gave the other student a nod, "I'm ready. I'll respond," he returned with a focused glance on the other students duelling stance. There was a lot to say about a duelling style by how a person stood, Alan himself had a lower stance with his feet shoulder wide apart and ready to move quick. He was ready to evade fast and take hits if necessary without losing his balance. But that was because he knew how to carry himself in a duel with almost two years of active duelling experience and constant practice. He readied his wand, waiting to respond with his signature spell.

• PENCHANT PRACTICE •

1st April | Fourth Floor, Duelling Club
wc: 278
Avery's Hex #136b5c

Outfit:

Reducio

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	-----H e watched as Vanes took a wider stance, ready to make for quick moves. It wasn’t unexpected that the boy with a reputation of being slippery was going to be hard to hit, so he steeled his mind for what was to come; this was practice, not a duel. Avery would be thankful if he landed a single hit, that would say enough of his own skill, and add to the reputation that he was beginning to cultivate. It was a lesson he had been taught from a young age, for obvious reasons. Whilst it seemed callous and almost dishonest, he didn’t much care if it aided in his designs. Avery’s own stance was one similar to the style of duelling worn by the French, a side on stance that made him a smaller target, like the fencers of the muggle world. Obviously, Wizard duels were far more elegant and defining than some poxy swordplay, and so respected in Avery’s eyes that he would act in such a manner whenever he stood up to the piste. He placed his non-wand hand behind his back, removing it from the equation as he trained his want on Alan. “For many years though they weren’t so much, lessons. - More, extensive practical experience and the need to show my brothers how to do things, properly.” He said, and with the last syllable he flicked his wand and made to cast the Fire Making Spell, calling out: “Incendio!” With perfect enunciation, roaring flame jetted out from his chestnut wand with the hopes of adding effect to his earlier statement, which was wholly true.
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Avery is casting Incendio at Alan (23) - A system has been agreed with Alan beforehand.

Interacting with @Alan Vanes

There was something to be said about the instant joy and rush of adrenaline any duel could bring. Of course there would be some amount of chaos and excitement when one had to dodge spells all of a sudden that were aimed to be hurtful, while at the same time having to return the favor to whoever one had been up against. Alan knew with his aim he shouldn't be holding back, as Avery did not look like someone to appreciate being pitied or looked down upon based on his age. Alan however did hold back with the strength and severity of his spells, after all this was meant for practice and nothing in this was meant to be serious or official.

"I've never tried archery, I'm sure I'd lack the patience to learn it," he said with a grin. Alan wasn't one to give words too much weight or overly analyze people he encountered, but he couldn't help but be impressed with this bit of knowledge. He was a kid after all and still managed to carry himself with such confidence and patience? Alan gave a grin, when Avery's spell missed him, though it had been a really good effort. Perhaps Avery would manage a hit after all? Well maybe if Alan grew a bit tired of showcasing what he was capable of. But who could truly judge him? Alan did not fancy being set on fire after all. Alan in return would attempt to go with one of his favorites.

• PENCHANT PRACTICE •

1st April | Fourth Floor, Duelling Club
wc: 215
Avery's Hex #136b5c

Outfit:

Reducio

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	----- S wiftly, Avery was sure to abandon the ‘fencing line’ so as to step back and let the high-powered jet of water shoot past him; narrowly avoiding the waterspout. His dark eyes had followed the jet over his shoulder, almost offended that it dared to get so close to him. Vanes had a reputation, but this was going to be much harder than Avery had first thought. With a smirk returned to Alan, he nodded at him, keen to show that he respected Alan for not going easy on him. The business of wasting time was the vice of nobodies, and that was something Avery refused to me. Target practice was an acceptable position to hold, especially when he could get in some of his own; there was a benefit to him; something he was mindful of. “Patience and skill… He beamed a grin. In most instances, Avery would have meant this maliciously but in this momentum it was actually a playful jest with the Pureblood opposite, a nice change from the usual company Hogwarts presented him. With his quip he sent forward another flick of his wand and a pulse of arcane force shot out of his wand simultaneous to his incantation: “Flipendo!”
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Avery dodged Alan’s Aqua Eructo (19), and is casting Flipendo at Alan (20) - A system has been agreed with Alan beforehand.

Interacting with @Alan Vanes